Page 41 of Hayes
“He’s telling them that if they interfere, the hell and fury of Sheikh Omar will rain down on them. I believe our friend Omar is more powerful than we first thought,” said Hayes.
Although still glaring at the group of men, Eric pulled the tapestry aside and found the door. One by one, the men entered the tunnels.
“AJ? Hiro? We’re headed into the tunnels and might be out of range. If you can give any direction that we should go, now is the time.”
“Head down until you feel as though it evens out, then take the tunnel to the right, then immediately to the left. If we can get Victoria on the system again, we’ll tell her you’re on the way.”
The tunnels were damp, dark, but definitely well-traveled. Using their night vision goggles, they could easily see ahead if there was anyone coming toward them. It made for slow-going since the tunnels seemed to be a bustling underworld city with men everywhere.
“We’ve got to get moving,” whispered Hayes. “If he finds out we’re in these tunnels, she’s dead.”
“Guys, can you hear me? If you can, you need to move now. Victoria found another exit and is on the run. In the opposite direction.”
CHAPTER THIRTY
Victoria could hear the rushing of men in the tunnels, then voices yelling at one another. She moved swiftly toward the comms device and tapped out several messages.
Within moments, the response came through.
Run
“Damn,” she muttered.
Lifting the carpet, she opened the door, pushing it open, and stepped inside the tunnel. There was a big step down, and she cursed, falling to her knees, feeling the water soak through her clothing. She prayed that it was just water but knew in her heart it most likely was a mix of sewage as well.
She got up and began to run, not knowing what she was running to but knowing that she had to move now. Coming to a crossing of several other tunnels, she scanned each in the darkness, her eyes not adjusting very well. They all looked the same, and they all seemed to have water in them.
“Shoot,” she muttered. “What if I’m running into the river? I’m going to drown.”
She tapped her comms and didn’t get a reply, then moved toward one of the tunnel extensions and did it again. As she moved from one to the other, she did it again. Then she heard the sweetest sound ever.
“Victoria.Go left!”
“I hear you! I hear you!” she repeated. She ran to the tunnel at the left and then began hearing the voices of all the men she hoped to see again. But one in particular was the one she really wanted to hear.
“Babe, I know you hear me. Just keep running. We’re coming toward you. We’re going to find you, just stay safe. I love you, Victoria. I love you!”
“I love you too,” she said breathlessly.
She continued to follow the instructions given through her comms device, then stopped briefly to catch her breath. She was exhausted. Then she heard her worst fear.
Actually, two worst fears. Footsteps and the distinctive hiss of a crocodile.
“Shit,” she said, shaking herself.
“Victoria. You’re on the right path. Keep going. I see the heat signature of the croc. He’s in another tunnel but could turn toward you. Just keep moving.”
She was grateful for the direction and trudged through the now knee-high water. Stopping to listen once again, she heard footsteps again. Some seemed behind her. Others seemed in front of her. Exhausted, frightened, and unsure of what to do, she just stopped, waiting to know her fate.
When the steps in front of her slowed, she knew she was about to meet her death.
“Babe? Victoria, it’s me, Hayes,” said the voice.
“H-Hayes,” she whispered. She ran toward him, plastering herself against his body and injured arm. He didn’t give a damn. He lifted her up, hugging her, kissing her.
“Honey, are you okay?” asked Mo.
“I’m okay, Dad,” she nodded, hugging her father. “Aamani is behind me. We have to keep moving.”
